Primary 6 graduate Qusyairie (third from the left) is accompanied by his family as he shares his exam preparation journey on stage. (Photo by Chuah Chin Kah)
"I used to score only 8 marks on my math exam and even thought about giving up on my studies. However, with my mother’s continuous support and my sister’s tutoring, I managed to get a Grade B in my PSLE this year." Primary 6 graduate Qusyairie Shah shared about his exam preparation journey, and said tearfully, “Thank you all for your trust”.
“Raising a child is like flying a kite, we cannot pull the string too tightly, nor can we hold it too loosely. As a mother, I must adapt to my child’s changing perspectives as he grows,” shared Qusyairie Shah’s mother on stage.
She added, “I always encourage him by saying, ‘If your sister can do it, so can you!’ That’s why I am proud of the progress he has made today.”
A total of 63 student beneficiaries and their parents attended the Seeds of Hope Merit Awards Ceremony. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
On 22 December 2024, the Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) held the Seeds of Hope Merit Awards Ceremony at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC). A total of 63 student beneficiaries and their parents attended the event.
The Seeds of Hope Merit Awards encourage students to realise their potential and unleash their strengths in various aspects. The awards presented are the Academic Excellence Award, Special Talent Award, Academic Progress Award, Diligence Award, Conduct Progress Award, and Filial Piety Award. Recipients were students from various primary schools, secondary schools, polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
Tzu Chi volunteers made monthly home visits to understand the conditions of the care recipient households and the academic progress of the student beneficiaries, offering encouragement along their educational journeys. During the award ceremony, volunteers and students enjoyed a fun-filled quiz game together, reflecting the affectionate relationships that had grown over time.
During the award ceremony, Tzu Chi volunteers and the children had a fun time playing a quiz game together. (Photo by Phang Wei Wen)
Recipient of three awards aspires to become a police officer
“Never have I imagined that I would achieve such excellent results in my N-level,” said Mohamed Muzammil Thamimul Ansary, the recipient of three awards, as he shared on stage. “I attribute my achievement today to the tireless guidance of my teachers and the unwavering support of my friends. Because of them, my math results improved significantly."
A member of the uniformed group, the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), Mohamed Muzammil displayed outstanding leadership skills and was recently appointed as a Cadet Inspector.
He added, “The Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) in school have changed my daily routine, teaching me discipline. They also enhanced my leadership and communication skills. Even though I will be graduating this year, I hope that after starting my studies at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) next year, I will be able to spare some time to return as an alumnus to train the new Secondary 1 students.
With a keen interest in computing and programming, Mohamed Muzammil expressed his aspiration to pursue a Cybersecurity course at ITE. He hopes to serve the community in the future by applying his expertise and knowledge.
“Never have I imagined that I would achieve such excellent results in my N-level,” shared Mohamed Muzammil (second from the left) confidently on stage. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
Mohamed Muzammil’s family income was affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing him and his family significant burden and psychological stress. With the assistance of Tzu Chi, Mohamed Muzammil and his family were able to tide through this challenging period.
"I am proud of his achievement today," Mohamed Muzammil’s mother said on stage, praising her sensible child. She shared that Mohamed Muzammil is a sincere and helpful young man, often assisting with household chores. In his spare time, he engages in community service in his school’s neighbourhood, alongside his fellow NPCC cadets.
A Tzu Chi volunteer presenting the merit awards to Mohamed Muzammil Thamimul Ansary. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
Having an angel at home is like having a gem
A little girl surnamed Huang was awarded the Filial Piety Award and Conduct Progress Award on this day. She suffers from Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and as a result, her parents devoted an immense time and effort to care for her.
Despite her slower development, her parents were determined to help her live an independent life. They cared for her meticulously and patiently taught her basic life skills.
Her father and maternal grandmother had initially agreed to accompany Miss Huang and her elder brother to the Merit Awards Ceremony. Unfortunately, her father was unable to attend the event on that day, as he felt unwell. Instead, her aunt, Madam Tay, and her grandmother attended in his place.
Seeing their children being recognised with awards on stage, parents could be seen beaming with smiles of pride and relief. (Photo by Chuah Chin Kah)
Madam Tay mentioned that taking care of a daughter with a developmental delay is a huge challenge for Miss Huang’s parents. When Miss Huang was younger, she would often have symptoms such as seizures, and her epilepsy condition had only improved in recent years. However, her father was later diagnosed with renal cancer, which plunged the family into despair and helplessness. After their case was referred to Tzu Chi, the care and support from Tzu Chi volunteers gradually improved Miss Huang’s family situation.
"Now, she has become more cheerful," said Madam Tay. She explained that Miss Huang had become more joyful and loved to smile. Now that she had received an award, her parents would definitely feel immensely proud and relieved.
"She is our little angel." Madam Tay also shared that Miss Huang gets along well with her peers in school. She would extend help to her classmates and assist with simple household chores at home. After her father fell ill, despite not understanding the nature of his illness, she would mimic her family members by serving him water and medication. She is truly a very thoughtful and sweet child.
Miss Huang’s mother could only take up part-time work, as she has to care for her family. Tzu Chi volunteer Soh Tiong Eng had accompanied the family for three years and expressed that it ached her heart to witness the struggles they had endured. At the same time, she admired and praised the family’s resilience and optimism. She exclaimed sentimentally, "I have learned so much from them, such as how to face adversities in life courageously. They share such a strong bond within their family, which is very touching."
Tzu Chi volunteers delivered a sign language performance, adding a warm atmosphere to the event. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
Twelve-year-old Wong Jing Kai and his elder brother, Wong Jing An, have been participants in the Tzu Chi Seeds of Hope programme for the past four years. This year, they were each awarded the Filial Piety Award and Conduct Progress Award, as anticipated.
Both brothers shared that they always try to support their mother when she feels depressed and assist with household chores. They have also learned to be humble, gracious, and courteous. As a result, whenever they have conflicts, they would apologise to each other to resolve the issue.
Even though their mother did not express it directly, Wong Jing Kai and his brother know that she has high expectations for them, just like all parents who aspire for their children to achieve great heights. Motivated by this, they are committed to studying hard and not disappoint her. They hope to earn the Academic Excellence Award next year.
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